Railway truck



Feb. 15, 1938. 7 D: s. BARR-0W8 RAILWAY TRUCK Filed Sept. 13, 1933 3 Sheets-Sheet l Feb. 15, 1938. 7 D. s. BARRows RAILWAY TRUCK Filed Sept. 13, 1953 3 Sheets-Sheet 2 Feb; 15, 1938. 11s. BARROWS RAILWAY TRUCK Filed Sept. 15, 1933 3 Sheets-Sheet 3 Patented Feb. 15, 1938 UNITED STATES PATENT, OFFICE RAILWAY TRUCK Donald S. Barrows, Rochester, N.

The Symington-Gould Corporation,

Y., assignor to Rochester,

, 16 Claims.

This invention relates to railway vehicles and, more particularly, to trucks and the construction of the side frames, bolsters and associated parts thereof.

The principal object'of my invention, generally considered, is to improve the construction of railway trucks, and particularly that of the s ide frames, bolsters and/or associated parts in order to facilitate assembly and detachment of the parts of such trucks,as well as allow for angling of the bolsters with respect to the associated side frames.

Another object of my invention is the provision of a railway truck comprising side frames sup-' porting bolster springs and an associated bolster, each side frame comprising struts spacing upper and lower elements thereof,'said struts preferably comprising cylindrical inner surfaces and radial 'side surfaces, which surfaces have for their axis the vertical axis of the side frame.

A further object of my invention is the provision of a railway truck in which the bolster is interlocked with a supporting or adapter casting at each end which, in turn, is interlocked with the guide columns of the associated frame.

' A still further object of my invention is the provision of a railway truck utilizing a, bolster of the lateral motion type with adapter castings on which the ends of the bolster rest and interlock, said adapter castings being, in turn, each interlocked with an associated side frame, having side portions which are guided by the corresponding side frame columns, and supported by means of the bolster springs, the side frame columns being alternatively formed with apertures to receive retainers to temporarily hold the adapter castings, which are desirably connected to the bolster by two spuds extending from each and received for interlocking purposes in corresponding aper-" tures in the lower wall of the bolster, in loaded position with the springs compressed, so that the bolster may be detached therefrom without removing said springs.

Other objects and advantages of the invention relating to the particular arrangement and construction of the various parts will become apparent as the description proceeds.

Referring to the drawings illustrating my invention:-

Figure 1 is a fragmentary transverse sectional view of a truck embodying my invention.

Figure 2 is a fragmentary plan of the embodi- "rnent of my invention shown in Figure 1, the

associated frame being fragmentarily illustrated in horizontal section.

Figure 3 is a fragmentary side elevational view of the embodiment of my truck shown in Figures 1 and 2.

Figures 4, 5 and 6 are views corresponding, respectively, to Figures 1, 2 and 3, but showing another embodiment of my invention. Y

Figure 7 is a fragmentary view corresponding to Figure 6, but illustrating the bolster elevated and detached from an associated adapter casting for removal of the side frame from the truck.

Referring to the drawings in detail, like parts being designated by like reference characters, and first considering the embodiment of my invention illustrated in Figures 1, 2 and 3, there is shown a portion of a truck 1! comprising a pair of side frames 2, only one of which is fragmentarily illustrated. Each side frame comprises a compression member 3, a tension member 4, and bolster guide columns 5, only one of which is illustrated, spacing intermediate portions of said compression and tension members, and spaced to leave a bolster or window opening 6 therebetween. The compression member 3 preferably comprises a web l and depending flanges 8, portions of which flanges may be joined by a connecting web portion 9. The outer ends of the compression member are continued beyond the guide columns to join the outer ends of the tension member and connect with journal boxes (not shown) either separable or integral with the ends of the frame.

The tension member 4 has an intermediate normally horizontal portion In, generally boxshaped in section, the upper web portion ll of which is extended laterally beyond the depending flanges or normally vertical web portions l2 thereof to provide a spring seating portion of adequate area. The spring seating portions beyond the flanges l2 are desirably reinforced by triangular gussets i3. The lower web portion M beneath the bolster opening 6 may terminate between the guide columns or approximately therebeneath, leaving the outer or inclined portions of the tension member substantially inverted U- shape in section, as will be understood.

The upper web H of the tension member is, in the present embodiment, formed with upper longitudinal convolutions or corrugations l5, only one of which is illustrated in Figure 3, each of which preferably starts between the guide columns at a point, designated by the reference character l6, and extends'diagonally upward and outward through the corresponding column to finally merge with the normal plane of the web ll, thereby strengthening the angle between the horizontal-and inclined portions of the tension beading 20.

greater distance ,than the width of the convolu-.

member, as well as providing supplemental or intermediate support for those portions of the tension member between the guide columns and at the same time providing for the interlocking between the frame and an associated spring plank, if used.

Each guide column 5 desirably comprises a web portion I! which extends substantially vertically from the compression member to the tension member, the upper portion being inwardly ofiset toward the other guide column to provide bolster guiding portions l'8'. The sides of the guiding portions of the columns 5 are defined by flanges l9 extending from the side edges of the web I! and with their free edges preferably reinforced by Said flanges are desirably spaced a tions IS in the tension member, so that they straddle said convolutions and connect with the main web portion II of the tension member on either side of the convolutions [5 thereof.

In a truck in which the the bolster is connected to the side frames in a manner, for example, as shown in the Kadel Patent No. 1,630,567, of May 31, 1927, the guide columns have guiding portions engaged between lugs on the associated bolster, the planes of engagement being parallel to the longitudinal vertical plane of the side frame. When, through the omission or flexibility of the spring plank, or clearance between said plank and frames, one frame tends to lead the other, the

.center line of the bolster describes other than a right angle with the longitudinal" vertical plane of the side frame, forming contacts between the corresponding corners of the guide columns and bolster which are theoretically vertical lines. As the bolster moves vertically with reference to the .columns under external impulses causing move-- .ments of the supporting springs, it will speedily wear the contacting corners of the columns until suflicient bearing area has been developed so that any further wear will be at a progressively slower rate. In this process of developing additional wearingsurface, the preferred fit clearances between bolster and columnsare lost, and the actual clearances become too great for correct aline-j lugs with surfaces formed (in corresponding radial planes for engagement with the guiding surfaces 2| of the guide columns, the included angle between said surfaces being greater than the included angle of the radial column sides by an amount equal to the angle which the bolster is permitted to swing from one extreme to the other upon departuregfrom the normal right angle relationship with respect to the'frame. Because of this radial relationship, movement of the bolster to an extreme allowable angular position would still result in contact on generally flat surfaces substantial-in extent rather than the line contact previously referred to. In the present embodiment, however, I.have continued this improvement'further, as will now be explained.

Instead'of forming the webs ll of the guide columns 5 on parallel planes, 1 have formed the inner surfaces concave to the contour of a vertically disposed cylinder whose axis coincides with the axis of the frame. The bolster could be correspondingly formed with convex cylindrical portions interlocked with the concave cylindrical portions of the guide columns and be otherwise of conventional construction, as heretofore described. I have, however, carried my improvement still a step further to facilitate assembly and disconnection of the parts.

In order to accomplish the foregoing results, I provide a bolster supporting member, spring cap, or adapter casting 23, said casting comprising a lower web portion 24 adapted to rest on the associated bolster springs 25 or upper spring plate 26. The adapter 23 is, in the present embodiment, specially constructed for the support of a bolster 21 of the lateral motion type, the under surface of which comprises a plurality of concave generally cylindrical surfaces 28 adapted to engage lateral motion rollers. casting is, therefore, formed with upstanding flanges or webs 29 which extend longitudinally of the associated frame, and upstanding flanges or webs 30 which extend transversely of the frame and intersect the flanges or webs 23, as

illustrated, said flanges 30 having their upper surfaces convex so that they nest on the concave surfaces 28 of the bolster, said portions with convex surfaces being separated by notches or depressions 3| receiving the corresponding portions 32' on the lower portion of the associated bolster end, therebyproviding for interlocking therebetween, in addition to the interlock provided be- The adapter tween the end lugs 32 on the bolster and the a 1 side portions 33 of the adapter 23. The flanges 29 are desirably spaced so that they intersect and merge with-the flanges at the high points of the latter, thereby engaging the bolster at the mid-points of the portions formed with the concave surfaces 28.

Each adapter 23 is also provided with an outer flange or wall 34 extending upwardly from the outer portion of the adapter over the end portion of the bolster, whereby the bolster lugs 32 are interlocked between said end wall and the side portions 33 of the adapter casting 23.

The web 24 of the adapter casting 23 is, in the present embodiment, extended forwardly of the flange 34 and rearwardly of a rear flange 35 to provide a spring bearing area overlying the heli-' cal springs 36 of the nest of bolster springs 25 which, in the present embodiment, comprises a plate or elliptic spring 31 in addition to the helical springs 36. In order to brace that portion of the web 24 which extends beyond the upstanding flanges 34 and 35, I preferably provide triangular gussets 38 and 39, as illustrated. In the present embodiment, theadapter'23 rests on the upper spring plate 26 which, in turn, rests on the nest of springs, said nest of springs resting on the lower spring plate 40 which, in turn, rests on the spring seating portion or web ll of the tension member, the bands 4| of the elliptic spring 31 passing through said plates 26 and 40, al

though I do not wish to be limited to this construction.

Each adapter side portion 33 which lies between a side of the bolster and the adjacent guide column comprises a. web portion 42, the outer surface of which is cylindrically convex, as indicated portions 44 with their inner surfaces formed radial to correspond with the radial bearing surfaces of the guide column flanges I9. In this way, the adapter is interlocked, with the guide columns at the outer surfaces of the side-portions, with the bolster lugs 32 and lower surface of said bolster, sufficient angular clearance being desirably provided between the flanges 44 of the adapter side portions and the flanges IQ of the guide columns, as shown most clearly in Figure 2, to allow for a limited amount of horizontal angling between the adapter and frame, thereby allowing a corresponding amount of horizontal angling of the bolster with respect to the frame, while at the same time avoiding any line engagement at the limit of angling movement, as was the custom when using a conventional bolster and frame interlock, as shown, for-example, in the Kadel Patent No. 1,630,567, previously referred to.

Referring now to the embodiment of my invention illustrated in Figures 4 to 7, inclusive, there is shown an alternative arrangement in which the bolster 2'! is interlocked with respect to the adapter casting 23 by means of spuds or upstanding cylindrical lugs 45 extending through corresponding holes 46 in the floor or lower web 41 of the bolster. Inasmuch as these spuds provide for the necessary interlock between the bolster 2'! and the adapter casting 23, the customary corner lugs, such as shown in the first embodiment and designated by the reference character 32, have been removed from the bolster 21 the adapter casting being altered to suit, but otherwise being substantially as described in connection with the preceding embodiment. As in the preceding embodiment, the bolster 2'! is of the lateral motion type, and the nest of bolster springs 25 may correspond with the nest 25 of the preceding embodiment, the side frame 2 being desirably identical with the side frame 2 of the preceding embodiment, except that the guide columns 5 may each be provided with a hole 48 adapted to receive a bar, rivet, bolt,.or other retaining device 49, the end of which may overlie the top of the corresponding side portion 33) of the adapter 23 to hold said adapter in lowered position with the supporting springs 2E3 cornpressed, thereby allowing suflicient space in the bolster opening 6 above said adapter for removal of the bolster 21, as shown most clearly in Figure 7. The connecting lugs or spuds 45 are desirably provided withapertures 50, which lie above the lower web of the bolster 2! when resting on the adapter 23, for receiving 'cotters' or other retaining means (not shown); so 'that the. bolster and adapter are normally prevented from undesired detachment. Except as specifically described in connection with the present embodiment, the truck I disclosed may correspond with the truck i of the preceding embodiment.

From the foregoing description, taken in connection with the accompanying drawings, it will be seen that I have devised a truck involving side frames adapted to be connected and disconnected from an associated bolster with looking adapters or bolster end supporting members having side portions disposed between the sides of'the bolster and guide columns and of such a character that a limited amount of horizontal angling between the bolster and side frames is provided with the maintenance of contacting areas regardless of bolster angularity. In the form illustrated in Figures 1, 2 and 3, the bolster is disconnected from the frame by taking out the springs to allow for dropping theadapter casting and bolster to a sufficient extent to disconnect them from the guiding portions of the columns. In the form of Figures 4 to 7, inclusive, however, the adapter 23- may be locked in lower position, with the springs 25 compressed, as shown in Figures 6 and '7, thereby allowing disconnection of the frames from the bolster upon either dropping the frames or raising the bolster to the relative position shown in Figure 7, sufficient space being then provided above the adapter 23 to allow for removal or insertion of the bolster. In

bolsters of the Dalman-Barber type, removing thecorner lugs when employing the adapter of the form shown in Figures 4 to '7, inclusive. The side frames and bolster adapters employed with both forms of my invention are novel and specially constructed to accomplish the desired re sults.

Although preferred embodiments of my invention have been illustrated, it will be understood that modifications may be made within the spirit and scope of the appended claims, and that I may use the various features of my invention disclosed either separately or in combination, as desired.

- I claim:-

1. A side frame comprising a compression member, a tension member, bolster guide columns spacing intermediate portions of said members and spaced to leave a bolster opening therebetween, said guide columns comprising transverse webs and side flanges, a bolster with an end portion received in said opening, and a supporting both forms of the invention, I may use existing member underlying said end portion and adapted to be supported by means of associated bolster tween, said guide columns comprising transverse webs and side flanges, a bolster with an end portion received in said opening, and a supporting member underlying said end portion and adapted to be supported by means of associated bolster springs, said member having side portions lying between the sides of' said end portion and said guide columns, each side portion having outwardly extending flanges lying on opposite sides of the guide column side flanges, the adjacent surfaces on said side portionflanges and guide column flanges being radial with the vertical axis of the frame and angularly spaced to allow for the desired angular movement between said frame and bolster while maintaining substantial area-s of contact at the limits of such movement. 3. A side frame comprising a compression 'member, a tension member, bolster guide columns spacing intermediate portions of said members and spaced to leave a bolster opening therebetween, said guide columns comprising transverse webs and side flanges, a bolster with an end portion received in said opening, and a supporting member underlying said end portion and adapted to be supported by means of associated bolster springs, said member having side portions lying between the sides of said end portion and saidguide columns, each side portion having a surface cylindrically curved about the vertical axis of the frame with the engaging surface of the corresponding guide column coaxially curved for allowing relative horizontal angling, said side portions having flanges extending outwardly from the end portions of said curved-surfaces and normally embracing the guide columns, the adjacent surfaces on the guide column flanges and said side portion flanges being radial with the vertical axis of .the frame and angularly spaced to allow for relative horizontal angling between said bolster and frame while maintaining substantial areas of contact at the limits of said angling.

4. A side frame comprising a compression member, a tension member, bolsterguide columns spacing intermediate portions of said members and spaced to leave a bolster opening therebetween, a bolster with an'end portion received in said opening, and a supporting member underlying said end portion and adapted to be supported by means of associated bolster springs, the lower surface of said supported end portion of the bolster having downwardly opening pockets adapted to receive lateral motion rollers and the corresponding portion of the supporting member comprising intersecting flanges, the upper surfaces of which are correspondingly curved to support said pocketed portions and form an interlock between said bolster and supporting mem her, said supporting member comprising side portions having outstanding flanges embracing and interlocking with the bolster guide columns and an outer flange overlying the outer end portion of said bolster.

5. A side frame comprising a compression member, a tension member, bolster guide columns spacing intermediate portions of said members ,and spaced to leave a bolster opening therebetween, a bolster with an end portion received in said opening, and a supporting member underlying said end portion and adapted to be supported by means of associated bolster springs, saidsupporting member having side portions lying between the sides of said bolster and said guide columns, said bolster having lugs extending laterally from the ends thereof and adapted to engage the outer ends of said side portions, said supporting member having an upstanding wall normally overlying the outer end portion of said bolster, said lugs being thereby interlocked between said side portions and wall for maintaining the bolster in the desired relation with respect to said supporting member.

6. A side frame comprising a compression bolster having the registering web portion apertured to receive said lugs to provide an interlock .between said bolster and supporting member,,

said lugs having apertures lying above said web portion, when the bolster and supporting mem supporting member in lowered position, against the action of associated springs, to allow the bolster to be inserted or removed.

7. A side frame comprising a compression member, a tension member, struts spacing intermediate portions of said members and spaced to leave a bolster opening therebetween, a'bolster with 'an end portion received in said opening, a supporting member underlying said end portion and adapted to be supported by means of associated bolster springs, and means providing an interlock between said bolster and supporting member which is releasable upon relative vertical movement, said struts being apertured immediately adjacent the side portions of said supporting member to receive retaining means for holding said supporting member in lowered position with the bolster springs compressed to allow room above said bolster in said opening for vertical movement.

8. A railway truck comprising a pair of side frames, each side frame having a bolster opening defined by struts at the sides thereof, a bolster with its end portions respectively received in said openings, and supporting-members, one in each opening, underlying the respective ends of the bolster and adapted to be supported by means of associated bolster springs, said members having side portions straddling the end portions of said bolster and normally interlocked with said struts, with' the engaging surfaces coaxially curved, and sufficient clearance provided, to allow angling of the supporting members with respect to said frames in a horizontal plane, the ends of said 'said bolster having downwardly opening pockets adapted to receive lateral motion rollers, means outstanding from the outer surfaces of said side portions and adapted to interlock with associated guide columns of a side frame, means terminating in surfaces complementary to those of the pockets for interlocking with said bolster, and an angularly disposed flange overlying the end of said bolster. g

10. An adapter comprising a lower web adapted to be supported by means of bolster springs, upstanding side portions spaced to receive an end portion of a bolster therebetween, means outstanding from the outer surfaces of said side portions and adapted to straddle portions of the associated guide columns of aside frame, the outer surfaces of said side portions being coaxially curved and suflicient clearance provided between the straddling portions to allow for angling with respect to said frame, and means on said adapter for interlocking with said bolster.

11. A side frame formed with a window opening defined by guide columns, a bolsterwith an end portion received in said opening, and a supporting member underlying said end portion formed with upstanding side portions embracing v both the bolster end portion and adjacent portions of the column and an upstanding end flange overlying-,la portion of the bolster, said member being normally supported-by bolster springs and holding the bolster in place, the supported portion of said bolster having downwardly opening pockets adapted to receive lateral motion rollers, and the corresponding portion of the supporting member comprising-upstanding flanges, the upper surfaces of which are correspondingly curved to engage the surfaces of, and interlock in, said pockets. I

12. A side frame comprising a window opening defined by guide columns, a bolster with an end portion received in said opening and a supporting member underlying said end portion and normally supported by associated bolster springs, said supporting member having side portions lying between the sides of the bolster and the guide columns, the adjacent surfaces of the overlying a, portion of the bolster, and flange portions extending upwardly from the upper surface of said web, the upper surfaces of said flanges being curved to correspond with the lower surface of a bolster having downwardly opening pockets adapted to receive lateral motion rollers, in order to form an interlock with said bolster.

14. In combination, a side frame comprising a compression member, a tension member, bolster guide columns spacing intermediate portions of said members and spaced to leave a bolster opening therebetween, a bolster with an end portion received in said opening, and a supporting member underlying said end portion and normally resting on associated bolster springs, said bolster having downwardly opening pockets adapted to receive lateral motion rollers, and said supporting member having means upstanding therei from and terminating in surfaces complementary to those of said pockets for interlocking with said bolster, an upstanding end flange overlying a portion of the bolster, and sides upstanding from said supporting member and having means outstanding therefrom and normally interlocking with said guide columns.

15. In combination, a side frame comprising a compression member, a tension member, columns spacing intermediate portions of said members and spaced to leave a bolster opening therebetween. a bolster with an end portion received in said opening, and a member supported by associated springs and underlying said bolster end portion. said member having side portions interposed between the bolster end and columns, lugs on said bolster adapted to engage the side portions of said member to limit the transverse movement of the bolster inwardly of the side frame, and means on said member overlying the end portion of the bolster to limit the transverse movement of the bolster outwardly of the side frame.

16. An adapter casting comprising a lower web adapted to be supported by means of bolster springs, upstanding side portions spaced to receive an end portion of a bolster therebetween .and positioned adjacent guide columns of a side frame, each side portion having a surface cylindrically curved about a vertical axis of the side frame and coaxial with a correspondingly curved adjacent surface of the guide columns for allowing relative horizontal angling of the bolster.

DONALD S. BARROWS. 

